Theories & Research


Social Constructivism

Much of online learning today is based on the theory of Social Constructivism. The challenge is to use technology so the learning can be socially constructed in real and authentic ways. That we meet this challenge becomes even more crucial when we consider that Christensen, Horn, and Johnson (2008) predict that over half of all high school classes will be taught online by 2019 -- and their book, Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change How the World Learns, was published before the financial crisis.

  • Social Constructivism
    A Teaching Guide for Graduate Student Instructors

  • Focus on Constructivism in Teaching and Learning with Technology's Companion Web Site -- Lever-Duffy, McDonald, and Mizell, 1995
    Makes the Bandura connection.

  • Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory
    Interesting retrospective on Bandura's most famous theory. This theory is usually credited with informing Social Constructivism.